! II ii I 



Author 




Title 



Class 



Book 



.,.£8 



Imprint 



16—27179-1 GPO 



JLDDRJSSS 



DELIVERED BY 



Comrade i V. RANDOLPH 



R. E. Lee Camp, No. 1, C. V. 



December 3, 1886. 



Printed hy Resolution of the Canvp. 



RICHMOND, VA.: 

JOHNS & CO., STEAM BOOK AND JOB PRINTERS, 

1887. 



A.D DRESS 



DELIVERED BY 



Comrade i V. RANDOLPH 



BEFORE 



R. E. Lee Camp, No. 1, C. V, 



December 3, 1886. 



Printed ly Resolution of the Camp. 



RICHMOND, VA.: 

JOHNS & CO., STEAM BOOK AND JOB PRINTERS. 

1887. 



^v\ 






Izr3 2> S' 




SUBJECT. 
"Origin, Growth and Present Condition of R. E. Lee Camp." 



OCCASION. 
The opening of the new R. E. Lee Camp Hall. 

After the routine business of the Camp had been finished, Commander 
Murphy introduced Comrade Randolph, the orator of the evening, who 
delivered the following address. 



^IDIDIE^ESS. 



ComTYiander and Comrades of R. E. Lee Camp: 

I was much surprised to learn a few days ago that 
by unanimous resolution of this Camp the honor had been 
conferred on me of delivering an address before you to- 
night, the occasion being the dedication of our new hall. 
I fear the mover of the resolution has allowed his personal 
friendship for the man to warp his better judgment; for 
certainly there are many members of the Camp who, more 
gifted by nature, could do the subject greater justice than 
I can, for no matter what else I may have claimed to be, I 
certainly never claimed to be an orator. 

But, sir, when I entered R. E. Lee Camp in its early days, 
I did so with the determination to do my duty to the best 
of my ability, feeling that I could and would be of some 
service to my fellow man. The spirit that caused me to 
take an active part in your organization was the same that 
prompted me, when at fifteen years of age, to throw aside 
my school books and enlist in the Confederate army, 
determined to do my duty to my native State with all my 
soul and strength. 

The subject for this address, as outlined in your resolu- 
tion, is the "Origin, Growth and Present Condition of R. 
E. Lee Camp, No. 1, Confederate Veterans," and certainly 
no more fit subject could have been selected. 

To give a proper history of the origin of Lee Camp, 
it is necessary for me to go back to 1860 — a year the events 
of which shaped the future of our country. When the 
statesmen of the country, returning from the '• halls of 
Congress," told the people that all efforts to settle the vexed 



question of the ri^^lits of States in the Union had failed, 
and that there was no arbiter left save the sword, the 
Southern States, seeini^ that the ri<i:lit.s inherited from their 
forefathers and guaranteed by the constitution had been 
infringed, determined to withraw from the compact of 
States and form a separate confederacy, as they had the 
right to do under the constitution. 

Virginia was asked to join them, but her leaders desiring, 
if possible, to save the Union, and foreseeing that her geo- 
graphical position was such that in the event of war she 
would be the battle ground and principal sufferer, hesitated 
to do so until every possible effort to avert war was ex- 
hausted. But, sir, she had not long to wait. The government 
at Washington, marshaling its vast armies, determined to 
march through the Commonwealtli of Virginia and force, 
at the point of the bayonet, her sister States back into the 
Union. Then, as one man, the people of this Old Dominion 
arose, and bidding defiance to the Federal government, said 
it should not march its armies over lier territory except 
over the dead bodies of her sons. 

As if by magic, there sprung into existence that magnifi- 
ceht army of volunteer soldiers who, under the name of 
the "Army of Northern Virginia," won immortal fame on 
so many hard-fought battlefields. Commencing with Bethel, 
and numbering among others. Bull Run, Seven Pines, Mai 
vern Hill, Cold Harbor, First and Second Manassas, Sharps- 
burg, Chancellorsville, Wilderness, Gettysburg and last 
Appomattox, where, at the bidding of their great chieftain, 
less than ten thousand men stacked arms— the remnants of 
that magnificent army of devoted soldiers which atone 
time numbered nearly one hundred thousand men; tlie rest 
had laid down their lives on the battlefields in defence of 
liome. State and constitutional liberty or been rendered 
/tors da ajiuhat by capture, wounds and the other vicissi- 
tudes of war. 

Mr. Commander, let us not forget that in this our hour of 
defeat we surrendered to a great and magnanimous foe, 



and I do not believe there is one Confederate soldier who 
will not do justice to Gen. U. S. Grant for his magnanim- 
ity and kindness of heart as displayed in his terms of 
surrender. And, sir, on the day Avheri a nation mourned 
and with uncovered heads stood before his tomb, " Lee 
Camp '^ was present, bearing beautiful flowers and ever- 
greens in testimony of their respect and gratitude to this 
great man for his consideration and kindness to us. 

As the veterans of four years of war turned from the 
fields of Appomattox with saddened hearts and bowed 
heads, they had the consolation of knowing that for four 
years they had fought against an army which, by the re- 
cords of the government, had enlisted from first to last 
seven men to our one ; they had the consolation of know- 
ing that by their valor and endurance they had challenged 
the respect of their foe, had won the admiration of the 
world, and now that the struggle was over and when they 
had lost all — All did I say? No, comrades, not all, for 
they still had the consolation of knowing that honor re- 
mained and that satisfaction which only comes from duty 
well performed. 

As they wandered back to what were once happy 
homes now to find them in desolation and ashes, that spirit 
of manhood which had supported them in so many hard- 
ships and dangers again came to them in their hour of 
need, and they determined to make the once fair fields of 
their native State yield a support for themselves and those 
dependent on them. In the struggle for existence, it soon 
became apparent that the race was to the young and 
strong, for the old and maimed began to fall to the rear, 
and as years rolled on many were left to the cold charities 
of the world. 

With shame and sorrow do I revert to the fact, my 
friends, that for years we, who had stood together in dan- 
ger, victory and defeat, had stood idly by and seen these 



I 8 

I nlfl veterans find tlioir way to the almshouses, there to die 

' in want and be buried in pauper's graves. 

i But tliis was not to be so always, for there met by chance 

1 in Marcli. 1SS3, seven old soldiers, separated for years in 

tilt' different avocations of life, and in talking over former 
days of the war, the names of old comrades came to mind, 
and as name after name was mentioned, a large number 
1 were found to be in want and suffering. Then that spirit 

^ of charity born of dangers and hardships sprang up in 

; their hearts, and they said surely, surely something can be 

done, sometliing must and shall be done to put these old 
; friends at least above the pangs of hunger and suffering. 

With this determination a notice was put in the daily pa- 
pers calling on all Confederate soldiers in Richmond to 
; meet, organize and start a soldiers' home, humble though 

it might be, but still a soldiers' home. On April 18, 1883, 
; thirty-eight veterans met and organized R. E Lee Camp, 

' No. 1, Confederate Veterans. Capt. Chas U. Williams was 

its first commander; Col. W. C. Carrington was its second 
commander; Gen. Jno. R. Cooke was its third commander, 
and Col. Jno. Murphy is its fourth and present commander. 
Subsequent meetings were held, the organization was per- 
fected and the work of the Camp was commenced. A com- 
; mittee was appointed to petition the legislature for a 

charter, and in it the life work of the Camp is so plain!}' 
laid down that I w^ll read it : 
' " Whereas, an association of Confederate veterans has 

been organized in the city of Ivichraond, under the title of 
R. E. Lee Camp, Xo. 1, Confederate Veterans, the object of 
which is declared in the by-laws of the association to be 
to perpetuate the memory of our fallen comrades and to 
minister as far as practicable to the wants of those who were 
permanently disabled in the service; to preserve and main- 
tain that sentiment of fraternity born of the hardships 
and dangers shared in the march, the bivouac and on the 
battlefield. It is proposed not to prolong the animosities 
engendered by the war, but to extend to our late adversa- 



9 

ries on all fitting occasion courtesies, wliicli are always 
proper between soldiers, and which in pur case a common 
citizenship demands at our hands. 

" We propose to avoid anything which partakes of par- 
tisanship in religion and politics, but at the same time we 
will lend our g.id to the maintenance of law and the pres- 
ervation of order." 

Mr. Commander, I challenge any man living to say that 
the recitals in the charter have not been carried out to the 
letter. The fulfillment of that promise to extend to our 
former foes that courtesy due among soldiers to each other 
has brought together in pleasant reunion veteran posts of 
the North, who in accepting our invitations and visiting us 
and we in return going to their distant homes, has done 
more to break down the sectional feeling between the 
North and South and make us one people in fact as well as 
in name than all other influences combined. 

The founders of Lee Camp had seen the associations of 
the Army of Northern Virginia meet in this city for thirteen 
years, composed of soldiers renowned in war and who tes- 
tified in glowing terms to the valor and fortitude of the 
men who had done so much to win for them the stars and 
wreaths which they wore, yet not one had raised his voice 
in aid of the old and maimed Confederate soldier. 

Lee Camp, the members of which were for the most part 
men who belonged to that honored class — the private sol- 
dier — had undertaken the work and proposed to push it 
to its completion. 

It was decided to hold a " bazaar," and calling to its 
aid the noble women of Richmond, who are ever ready, like 
ministering angels, to help in the noble work of charity, 
the work was begun. 

My friends, I cannot pass this point in our history without 
pausing to say a word in their praise, for well I remember the 
answer of these noble women when we asked them to help 
us : " Help you, Lee Camp ! Lead and we will follow. Why, 
my father was a Confederate soldier, my son was a Con- 



10 

federate soldier, my husband was a Confederate soldier, 
and these men now in distress were their comrades, and we 
will do onr part for their sake.'' 

Tiiis was the same old spirit of love born in woman's 
heart for suffering man. It was the same love that carried 
her into the hospitals, and many a comrade now before me 
can bear testimony to the fact that he owes his life to her 
gentle ministrations. Among the many who came, there 
was one at the head, and I am confident tliat no imng of 
jealousy will spring in a sister's heart if I mention her 
name. With wonderful executive ability, indomitable 
energy, a sweet disposition, a gentle voice that many a 
wounded Confederate soldier has cause to remember, Mrs. 
Lewis N. Webb organized the bazaar and success was as- 
sured. From this source ^23,000 was raised. 

It was determined to send out circulars asking aid from 
the friends and admirers of the Confederate soldiers who, 
having no government to look to, were dependent on the 
liberality of their friends. Then was presented to the 
world a sight that has never had its equal in the history of 
wars, and I thank God it was left for American soldiers. 

Phil Kearney Post, G. A. P., stepped to tlie front, and, 
extending the right hand of fellowship, said : " Lee Camp, 
we belong to that grand army that for four years thundered 
at the gates of your beautiful city ; time and again you 
repulsed us, and only when there was not men enough left 
to man your guns did you fail to drive us back. We know 
the material you are made of; we know your proud 
spirits will not ask us for aid; but we have come in that 
spirit of brotherly love— for are we not all Americans at 
last? — and all have done so much to make American valor 
illustrious, w^e will help you to build your soldiers' home." 
And lielp us they did. It was at their suggestion and with 
their endorsement that the circular was sent to the G. A. P. 
posts. The example set by Phil Kearney Post was fol- 
lowed by otliers, and letters of fraternal feeling, enclosing 
>ub.staritial aid, came from tlie Xortli and West until $S,000 



11 

was raised. And, sir, there comes to my mind the name 
of one man that I feel justified in paying tribute to. That 
man was Corporal James Tanner, of Brooklyn, a man who 
by the misfortune of war lost both legs, but what he lost 
in legs was made up in heart. This man came from his 
home to this city and opened the bazaar with a speech that 
most of you remember. 

Then came a grand old man, tottering under the weight 
of years, with a smile of charity on his face, and said : 
" Lee Camp, I watched your course for four years ; I saw 
you wage an unequal contest; I saw your armies go down 
to rise no more, and knowing you are still suffering from 
the effects of war, I want to do my share out of my abun- 
dance " ; and the Hon. W. W. Corcoran handed iis his check 
for five thousand dollars. 

The example set by this great and good man was fol- 
lowed by others, until the total sum collected amounted to 
fifty-two thousand dollars. 

Some of you may wish to know how your Board of 
Visitors have spent the money ; if so, go to the Soldiers' 
Home, see that beautiful spot, with its home-like cottages 
\V'ith its happy and contented veterans; you will then have 
all the answer you can wish. 

Mr. Commander, I cannot better illustrate the growth of 
Lee Camp than to compare it to an old and familiar saying 
that each of us learned in our boyhood days — " Great oaks 
from little acorns grow." The acorn was planted by these 
seven veterans; they watched it tenderly; they saw it put 
forth its tender leaves, and they have lived to see its mag- 
nificent proportions. 

My friends, it has grown until now seven hundred men 
constitute its massive body ; its branches spread from the 
Atlantic to the Pacific, and under the shade of its beau- 
tiful foliage one hundred and thirty old veterans find 
protection and a home. 

As Lee Camp grew to man's estate, that desire, born of 
Divine command, to increase, multiply and populate the 



12 

earth, came in its heart. So when its offspring arrived at 
age, thej' were sent on their mission of peace. 

The first son, Avanclering to the historic fields of Frede 
rioksburg, established Camp Xo. 2. 

The second son marched np the Valley of Virginia, 
• everj" foot of whose soil could tell a tale of valor, suffer- 

ing and death, until, entering the town of Winchester, 
; where so many gallant men had found a resting place be- 

■ fore, pitched liis tent and Camp No. 3 was established. 

The third son, crossing the Blue Ridge, and as the sun set 
in tJie west over the beautiful town of Charlestown, West 
Virginia, determined to accept the hospitable invitation of 
its people, and Camp Xo. 4 was established. 

The fourth son, launching his little boat on the bosom of 
the historic James, gently floated down the stream, passing 
the banks of Drury's Bluff, and remembering with pride 
the oft-told story of how Lee and Tucker with their sailor 
boys and a few old guns had belched forth defiance at the 
famous ironclads, and forced them to retreat under the 
guns of Fortress Monroe, until reaching that grand harbor 
of Xorfolk he was welcomed to land, and Camp Xo. 5 was 
established. 

The fifth son, seeking a warmer clime, found his way to 
the orange groves of Florida, and in the city of Jackson- 
ville Camp Xo. G was established. 

The sixth son, having heard his father tell of glories 
5 won on many a field by Hood and his gallant Texans, 

j wandered away to the " Lone Star State," and in the city of 

Austin Camp Xo. 7 was established. 

The seventh and last son, having heard of the wonders 
and glories of the western world, turned his face to the 
setting sun, and on the golden shore of California found 
congenial spirits and Camp Xo. 8 was established. 

Thus you see, my friends, that the number of its off- 
spring corresponds in number with tlie seven true and 
brave men who originated R. E. Lee Camp, Xo. 1. 

Mr. Cummander, do you Avonder at its growth? Remem- 



13 

ber, the acorn was planted in the soil of Virginia, enriched 
with the blood of her bravest and noblest sons. It was 
the soil of Virginia that produced Stonewall Jackson, who, 
with his handful of foot cavalry, defeated in rapid succes- 
sion four large and well equipped armies, and forced them 
from his native State to seek safety north of the Potomac; 
and last, sir, it was the soil of Virginia tiiat produced our 
greatest chieftain, Robert E. Lee, in whose honor we are 
named. 

Of its present condition, much can be said; but I would 
only be saying what most of you already know. I could 
tell you of its many deeds of charity ; of the suffering and 
distress it has relieved and is still relieving; but I prefer 
to remind you that now is the time for work ; now, while 
the light lasts and health and strength is ours, work with 
all our heart, that when we turn, as all of us must, on the 
downward slope of life, when our steps grow slow and the 
silver in our hair tells plainly that old age has come and 
we can no longer work, let us feel that we have made 
good use of our time, and have laid aside enough to keep 
ourselves and our old comrades from want. 

Mr. Commander, the life of the Soldiers' Home is part 
and' parcel of our lives, and the same care must be taken of 
its affairs that we take of our own. Who can tell, of those 
who listen to me to-night — who now with health and plenty, 
and has not given his old comrade a thought or a dollar — 
how soon he may find himself compelled to ask permission 
to enter Lee Camp Home? We have had two examples of 
this in the last sixty days — two men who refused to join 
the Camp; they did not then need it; they preferred to spend 
their time and mony some other way ; but sickness came, 
then want, and both are now appealing to us for help. 

On many of you a kind Providence has bestowed a plenty 
of this world's goods. Will you in the day of your pros- 
perity forget the old comrade of twenty-three years ago? 
Who before me can say that he does not owe his presence 



14 

here to-iiiglit to some old coiurade who seeks admission 
to the Soldiers' Home? 

Do you remeiiiber the dny yonr bri<rade was har.l pressed, 
the enemy drivin^j you bac^k, the left wiii<i: ^^ave way and 
in a moment all would be lost? But hold! a cheer is 
heard; an officer advances to the front: " Hold your i^round, 
boys, anotlier briirade is coming," and with a yell that only 
a Confederate knew how to send up, they came to your re- 
lief, and the day was ours. Can you say that the man who 
now asks in his old age for snpport is not the man who, 
when you lay wounded on the battlefield, stopped to help 
you and with his last drop of water moistend your parched 
lips? Remember all this, my friends, and do your duty 
to them now as they did then to you. 

Comrades, your Board of Visitors find themselves face 
to face with a difficult problem. Our income consists of 
ten thousand dollars, donated by the State of Virginia, 
which was intended to support eighty-three men; by strict 
economy and the products of our farm we are enabled to 
support one hundred and thirty men; but the limit of 
our ability is reached, and without further aid we must 
close tlie doors to over twenty apijlicants, with records ac- 
companying their applications of which any man might be 
proud. My friends, it remains for you to say whether or 
not the home has reached the limits of its usefulness ? 

I want to do justice to the State of Virginia. When the 
bill extending aid to the home was before the legislature a 
member, though not a soldier, said he did not tliink Vir- 
ginia sliould support men from other States; thiMi arose an 
old gray-haired man, who said : " Sir, that is not a question 
for debate; these men fought and bled on Virginia soil, 
and so long as we are able they shall not knock in vain for 
help." 

J regret to say that not a Southern State has offered to 
lielp us, though we have men now in the home from nine 
States The individual donations from Southern men have 
amounted to but little, and if we arc to judge the future by 



15 

the past, we will have to look to the Camp and the State of 
Virginia for its entire support. We estimate that it costs 
one hundred and twenty dollars a year per man, and there 
are plenty of men in this hall to-night who can afford to 
contribute that amount towards so good a cause. 

Five gentlemen have built memorial cottages at the 
Home at an average cost of twelve hundred dollars each. 
Four of them are citizens of Richmond, one of New York. 
Why cannot others do the same ? 

Twelve hundred dollars is not much to some men, par- 
ticularly those who staid at home during the war and made 
their fortunes. The ingratitude of republics is proverbial, 
but misfortune often binds hearts together. Let us stand 
together now as we did years ago, and do our duty now as 
we did it then, and we can go on with the good work. Let 
it not be said of us that we have forgotten our old com- 
rades in their distress, but rather let us set an example to 
future generations to follow. 

Comrades, keep up your Soldiers' Home Keep your old 
veterans in plenty and comfort. Keep them as the re- 
minder of that dream of a sentiment that binds the past 
with the present. Keep it for sweet charity's sake, and let 
th^ recording angel write your name high in the Book of 
Life as "one who loved his fellow man." 



'S^ARV OF CONGRESS 



0^3 701 569 9 



IF 



